DOCSLIB.ORG

Chincoteaguechincoteague This Eastern Shore Island Offers 66 Treasures Galore, from Delicious Clifton 81 95 Seafood to Its World-Famous Chincoteague Pony Penning

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Chincoteaguechincoteague This Eastern Shore Island Offers 66 Treasures Galore, from Delicious Clifton 81 95 Seafood to Its World-Famous Chincoteague Pony Penning OWN OME ERIES by Jane E. Daisey, D H S Contributing Writer During the year 2000, we’re making our way around Virginia, each issue visiting a small town and meeting some of the folks who make up the heart of electric co-op country. On this year’s tenth and final stop, we’ll be... Down Home in ChincoteagueChincoteague This Eastern Shore island offers 66 treasures galore, from delicious Clifton 81 95 seafood to its world-famous Chincoteague pony penning. Weyers Cave By the early 1900s not only oys- Louisa ters, but clams, crabs and fish Millboro Charlottesville 64 Richmond Lively were also part of the seafood 64 Eagle Rock Eagle Rock industry. Sport fishing provided Millboro Pennington Gap some with work, while others hunted isa Roanoke Lou 460 and marketed wildfowl. Smithfield Smith 95 Smithfield 81 Mt. Lake 85 A Natural for Decoys Pennington The interest in hunting led some locals to Gap 77 earn a good living carving decoys to be used in their expeditions or to be sold to hunt “ f once you have slept on an island you’ll was the main source of income. Northern clubs. Ira Hudson made his mark as a boat never be quite the same.” The residents cities were major markets for the famous builder and decoy carver, becoming one of Iof Chincoteague Island, nestled between Chincoteague oysters, influencing islanders Chincoteague’s most famous artists. His Virginia’s Eastern Shore peninsula on the to vote in 1861 not to secede from the Union. grandson Jay Cherrix says he was a humble west and the barrier island of Assateague on the east, understand the meaning of this quote from Rachel Field’s poem. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Chincoteague Bay and Assateague channel, the island is home to about 3,500 full-time residents, and thou- sands more visit this resort town annually. Chincoteague boasts a rich history of a resilient people who lived off the land, braved the harsh elements, and became fiercely inde- pendent. Its settlers faced isolation from the mainland, and fierce storms like the 1821 hurricane and tidal wave that crossed Assateague Island to engulf Chincoteague. Hurricanes in 1933 and 1936 also flooded the island. These early hardships strengthened the villagers and created a strong sense of sur- vival and camaraderie that has been passed down through the generations. In 1671 the first white settlers laid claim to the island, which was used as a livestock JANE DAISEY PHOTOS range for the next century and a half. Jay Cherrix stands in his decoy shop in front of a pony he carved for fun. His unique Villagers made a living farming and raising carvings include shorebirds and fish, and range from primitive working decoys to cattle and sheep. By the mid-1800s seafood refined pieces that resemble modern sculpture. 18 Cooperative Living/November-December 2000 Memorial Park views Assateague The beautiful Christ United Methodist Church was built in 1922 by Italian stone Channel and Island. Its lighthouse, built masons. It is one of six churches on the island. in 1867, stands 142-feet high and is open for tours on selected weekends. In 1920 and again in 1924, Chincoteague suffered man who would be embarrassed to know that disastrous fires that de- his carvings have sold for as much as stroyed several of the largest $80,000. In the early days, he sold them for and most important build- only a few dollars per dozen. ings in the town, as well as Today, Jay and many others earn their many homes. The men income carving decoys that are decorative organized the existing fire only and will never be used for hunting. Jay brigade into a larger and bet- combines the skills of his father, who had ter volunteer fire company. been a boat captain, and his grandfather. He In order to help, the women runs “Tidewater Expeditions,” featuring formed the Ladies Auxiliary morning and evening kayak tours, and a in 1924. At the first meeting, quaint decoy-carving shop called “A Work of they decided to have an Art.” He says he feels blessed to work at annual pony penning, round- Stones bearing the dates 1930 and 1957 mark the something he loves every day of his life, sur- ing up the ponies on Assa- growth of the Chincoteague Fire Department building rounded by the beauty of his home. teague Island and swimming on Main Street. In 1918, native John B. Whealton Jr. pur- sued his dream of building a road to connect the island with the mainland. He formed the Chincoteague Toll Road and Bridge Company and, after years of hard work, the road and its six bridges (including a swing bridge as you reach the island) were opened with much ceremony in November of 1922. The toll has since been removed and the road now bears the name John B. Whealton Jr. Memorial Causeway, in honor of the native son who had the vision to end the island’s iso- lation from its neighbors. The aging swing bridge crosses the channel as you approach the island and is soon to be replaced by a modern structure. November-December 2000/www.co-opliving.com 19 the community as firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and ambulance drivers. Pete and Ellen Richardson have served together for over 35 years, and say they’ve enjoyed working with and helping their friends and neighbors. Paving the Way for Tourism By 1960 the seafood industry was declin- CHINCOTEAGUE BEACON CHINCOTEAGUE ing and many of the young people were leav- ing to find jobs elsewhere. Some citizens thought of expanding the small tourist indus- try that existed. Leaders such as Robert N. Reed, Chincoteague mayor from 1949 to 1963, worked tirelessly to gain approval to construct a bridge from Chincoteague to Assateague Island, location of the Chinco- teague National Wildlife Refuge and Assa- teague Island National Seashore. This bridge opened in September of 1962, and literally JENNIFER CORDING PHOTO COURTESYJENNIFER CORDING PHOTO OF paved the way for Chincoteague’s modern The annual pony penning, which has provided funding for the Chincoteague Volunteer tourist industry. Fire Company for years, is eagerly anticipated by locals as one big homecoming. Ralph Daisey and his wife Lois were working at the NASA base on the mainland them across the channel to Chincoteague to through the years. The event is held the last when a co-worker dared him to find some- be sold at auction. Over the years, the fire Wednesday and Thursday in July, with the thing to sell to the tourists, if they came. He department added a carnival to the pony pen- carnival running for that entire week, as well says her words stuck in his mind. They ning activities. In 1946 author Marguerite as every Friday and Saturday in July. It’s a opened PonyTails, the island’s first souvenir Henry came to the island, attended the pony tradition that locals eagerly anticipate. shop in 1965, featuring homemade saltwater penning, and bought a pony for herself. Her Relatives living away come home to enjoy taffy and copper-kettle fudge. The business book Misty of Chincoteague was based on the festivities; it’s like one big homecoming. thrived and they left their jobs with NASA to the experience and became a classic in chil- This year marked the carnival’s 75th anniver- run it full-time. Lois says, “We have tried to dren’s literature. With the release of a movie sary, and a spectacular fireworks display was be a family business in every sense of the version in 1960, the island and its annual held on the last night to celebrate the plat- word, never selling anything in the shop we pony penning became famous. The pony inum anniversary. wouldn’t want sold to our own children or swim and auction, along with the carnival, The volunteer firemen and ladies of the grandchildren. We’ve never been open for has provided all the funding for the auxiliary give generously of their time, ener- business on Sunday; we wanted that day for Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company gy and resources throughout the year serving family activities and church services.” For conferences, reunions, weddings, etc., contact The Chincoteague Center at P.O. Box 52, Chincoteague, VA If You Go... 23336, phone 757-336-0614, fax 757- 336-0615, or at www.chincoteague.org. Stay at family campgrounds, rental hincoteague Island offers a wide cottages, motels, or bed & breakfasts. A range of accommodations, small sample includes Tom’s Cove C restaurants, and activities to suit Family Campground, with fishing piers, all ages and interests. Make reservations a marina, wooded sites, and a recre- well in advance if you plan to visit dur- ation center and store (757-336-6498), ing the height of the tourist season, from Uncle Joe’s Cabins (757-336-5107), June through Labor Day. Island’s Pride Cottages (757-336-6345), For information and a list of annual Island Motor Inn, an all-waterfront events, festivals, and shows, contact the resort featuring a world-class weight Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and exercise facility overlooking the by mail at P.O. Box 258, Chincoteague, Bay (757-336-3141), The Refuge Motor VA 23336, by phone at 757-336-6161, Inn (757-336-5511), The Channel Bass or visit their Web site at Inn (1-800-221-5620), and The Watson www.chincoteaguechamber.com. House B&B (1-800-336-6787). 20 Cooperative Living/November-December 2000 Countless other natives opened a myriad of businesses to serve the tourists, adding to the economy, increasing the tax base, and providing youth and adults with jobs.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Appendix D August 2015
    Appendix D August 2015 Appendix D John White and Steve Hillebrandand Steve White John Chincoteague Ponies Interim Chincoteague Pony Management Plan D-1 Chincoteague and Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuges CCP/EIS Appendix D August 2015 D-2 Chincoteague and Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuges CCP/EIS Appendix D August 2015 D-3 Chincoteague and Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuges CCP/EIS Appendix D August 2015 Table of Contents PURPOSE ...........................................................................................................................................4 BACKGROUND AND HISTORY .............................................................................................................4 The Refuge: ............................................................................................................................................... 4 The Ponies and the CVFC: ......................................................................................................................... 6 Ash Wednesday Storm: ............................................................................................................................. 7 Pony Roundup and Auction: ..................................................................................................................... 8 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ASSOCIATED SEA LEVEL RISE ..........................................................................9 ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PONIES ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Feral Horse Management at Assateague Island National Seashore
    United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Assateague Island National Seashore Feral Horse Management at Assateague Island National Seashore INTRODUCTION Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS) was established in 1965 as a unit of the National Park System to conserve the natural resources and recreational values of As- sateague Island and adjacent coastal waters. The authorized boundary includes ap- proximately 48,700 acres of land and water in Maryland and Virginia. Of this, 8,400 acres in Virginia are managed as Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and 600 acres are managed as Assateague State Park in Maryland. The mission of the National Seashore is to preserve and protect the unique coastal resources of Assateague Island and the natural ecosystem conditions and processes upon which they depend, while providing high quality resource-based recreational and educational opportunities. The feral horses of ASIS are, perhaps, the park's most well known natural resource. Thousands of visitors are attracted to Assateague each year for the opportunity to view free-roaming horses in a natural barrier island setting. When the National Seashore acquired ownership of the horses in 1968, the herd numbered approximately 28. By 2000, the population had grown to more than 170. With this growth has come an in- crease in the negative effects of feral horses on the park's other natural resources. Al- though the horses are an important part of the Assateague experience, there is a press- ing need to manage the population in ways that will provide for the long-term health of the herd as well as minimize adverse impacts to other park resources.
    [Show full text]
  • 2014 Year of the Horse
    YEAR OF 2014 THE HORSE 02 Classics® 2 Classics 14 Horse Stories 16 Stablemates® 25 Horse Crazy 29 Pony Gals® 30 Mini Whinnies® 31 Little Bits® 32 Wind Dancers® 34 Activity Sets 38 Tolo® 40 Enchantmints™ 42 WOW® 32 ® 43 Traditional Special 44 Let’s Go Riding 46 Editions 46 Special Editions 48 Racing Stars 50 Mustangs & Wild Horses 52 Sport Horses 54 Ponies 56 Western Horses 58 Breeds of the World 61 Traditional® Barns & Accessories 73 Gallery Collection 76 Breyer Events 77 Promotional Items Traditional 61 Accessories 79 Product Sizes & Packaging Cover Photo ©Christiane Slawik Welcome to Breyer Animal Creations®! Breyer Animal Creations® is one of the most iconic children’s toys in America, one that renews itself afresh each year while staying true to the traditions that made it great! This year, Breyer will celebrate a significant anniversary! Our annual collector festival and horse fair BreyerFest® will celebrate its 25th anniversary this July 11-13 at the Kentucky Horse Park – our Silver Jubilee. As each new generation of young horse lovers discovers Breyer’s play lines, another generation graduates to Breyer Traditional and Gallery where each model horse’s hand-crafted authenticity provides a cherished collectible for display or showing. And as little girls become mothers and grandmothers themselves, their children and their children’s children are introduced to Breyer. Only Breyer has the knowledge and experience – through its close connection to the real horse world – to create a tangible relationship to the world of horses and animals
    [Show full text]
  • The Wild Horses of Assateague Island.” Then Answer the Questions
    EnglishEnglish LanguageLanguage ArtsArts 2016 PracticePractice TestTest Grade 43 English Language Arts Session 1 Research Simulation Task Directions: Today, you will take Session 1 of the Grade 43 English Language Arts Test. Read each passage and question. Then, follow the directions to answer each question. Mark your answers by completely filling in the circles in your test booklet. Do not make any pencil marks outside of the circles. If you need to change an answer, be sure to erase your first answer completely. One of the questions will ask you to write a response. Write your response in the space provided in your test booklet. Only responses written within the provided space will be scored. If you do not know the answer to a question, you may go on to the next question. If you finish early, you may review your answers and any questions you did not answer in this session ONLY. Do not go past the stop sign. Grade 4 4 English Language Arts Today you will research wild horses in the United States and read three articles about them. As you review these sources, you will gather information about the illustrations and answer questions about wild horses so you can write an essay. Read the passage from “The Wild Horses of Assateague Island.” Then answer the questions. from “The Wild Horses of Assateague Island” The Wild Horses of Assateague Island, National Park Service, US Department of the Interior. A National Treasure 1 The wild horses of Assateague Island are descendants of domesticated animals brought to the island over 300 years ago.
    [Show full text]
  • 07.20.2018.Pdf Hitching Post
    Free Weekly Summer Paper Exclusively for Chincoteague Island July 20, 2018 Free Eastern Shore HING HITC THE SHORE’S ONLY LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER Pony Penning In Its 93rd Year: ‘It’s Something That’s In Our Blood’ By Connie Morrison when determining the foals that will As the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire be released back onto the island. “We Company’s Saltwater Cowboys round do not do DNA testing but genetics up the Chincoteague ponies this week- does play a part,” in selecting the po- end in preparation for Wednesday’s nies that will continue the wild pony 93rd pony swim and Thursday’s auc- bloodlines, said Bowden. “The Pony tion, more than 30,000 people are ex- Committee keeps meticulous notes pected to flock to the island to witness from year to year and all of that plays the annual event. a factor as to which ones are picked.” It’s a ritual with deep roots. “I really After Wednesday’s swim, the po- don’t have all the words to explain it. nies are given a day to rest — and It’s something that’s in our blood, this it’s a day for potential bidders to look whole pony thing,” said fire company them over. The auction commences spokesperson Denise Bowden. “There Thursday at 8 a.m. sharp. is just nothing to compare it to for us.” The ponies are owned by the fire Bowden offers this advice for company and live year-round on As- first-time auction-goers: sateague Island under a permit from the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Chemical Fire at Perdue Forces Evacuations at Accomac Plant
    CIRCULATION 15,000 Free July 19, 2019 Chemical Fire at Perdue Forces Evacuations at Accomac Plant By Linda Cicoira Heavy smoke blew northwest in- to the sky from tanks where chemical explosions occurred at around 3 p.m., Wednesday, at Perdue Farms, in Ac- comac, while hundreds of employees were evacuated and others were kept from starting their shifts. “We can confirm a fire outside of our Accomac facility,” Danielle Ter- gis, of Perdue Corporate Communica- tions, said Wednesday night. “Out of an abundance of caution we have evacu- ated the facility. There are no reported injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.” Tergis released a statement Thurs- day, in which she said the incident had been resolved and the plant was back in operation. Accomack County used its Code Red Alert System to call landlines in the nearby communities and notify people by cellphone who had signed up for the Photo Courtesy of Accomack County and Virginia Department of Emergency Management service. They were told to stay inside and avoid the smoke. Peracetic acid tanks burn Wednesday at the Perdue plant in Accomac. The Accomack County Public Safety photo was taken by a Virginia Department of Emergency Management drone. workers, volunteer firefighters and res- was no food and water for them in put water on the chemicals or they will cue personnel from six local companies, sight. The birds were recently taken explode.” Hart reported that one tank and hazmat experts responded. Some away from the cooling units in their contained peracetic acid and the other stayed on the scene for hours waiting modern houses and the heatwave ex- contained sodium chloride.
    [Show full text]
  • Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague
    Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague Questions for Socratic Discussion by Missy Andrews © 2017 CenterForLit, Inc. Table of Contents: Misty of Chincoteague Quick Card 57 Questions about Structure: Setting 58 Questions about Structure: Characters 60 Questions about Structure: Conflict and Plot 63 Questions about Structure: Theme 66 Questions about Style 67 Questions about Context 70 Story Charts 71 56 Ready Readers: Elementary Literature, Vol. 1 Quick Card Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry Reference ISBN-10: 1416927832 ISBN-13: 978-1416927839 Paul and Maureen work hard to earn money to buy the wild Phantom and Plot her colt Misty, but learn that living things can never really be owned. Chincoteague Island off the coast of Virginia. Pony Penning Day. Paul Setting and Maureen’s childhood. Paul and Maureen Beebe, adolescent children Grandpa and Grandma Beebe Mr. Foster and his son Freddy Mr. Jones, the fire chief Characters Mr. Maddox, the leader of the roundup on Pony Penning Day The Pied Piper – a wild stallion who masters the Phantom The Phantom – the object of Paul and Maureen’s affections Misty – the Phantom’s foal Man vs. Man Conflict Man vs. Nature Man vs. Himself Coming of Age Sacrificial Love Theme Wild vs. Tame Freedom Onomatopoeia Assonance Literary Devices Alliteration Simile/ Metaphor Personification/ Anthropomorphism 57 © 2017 CenterForLit, Inc. Questions about Structure: Setting Where does this story happen? Does the story happen in the country or the city? (1b) This story happens in a small country town on Chincoteague, an island four miles off the coast of Virginia. Chincoteague is only seven miles long and averages 2l inches above sea level.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix D – Interim Chincoteague Pony Management Plan
    Appendix D John White and Steve Hillebrandand Steve White John Chincoteague Ponies Interim Chincoteague Pony Management Plan Appendix D May 2014 D-1 Chincoteague and Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuges CCP/EIS Appendix D May 2014 Table of Contents PURPOSE ...........................................................................................................................................4 BACKGROUND AND HISTORY .............................................................................................................4 The Refuge: ............................................................................................................................................... 4 The Ponies and the CVFC: ......................................................................................................................... 6 Ash Wednesday Storm: ............................................................................................................................. 7 Pony Roundup and Auction: ..................................................................................................................... 8 CLIMATE CHANGE AND ASSOCIATED SEA LEVEL RISE ..........................................................................9 ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PONIES ............................................................................................... 10 Regional and Local Economy: ................................................................................................................. 10 Fireman’s Carnival and Pony
    [Show full text]
  • The Proposed Assateague Wilderness: Building Blocks for the Wilderness Character
    Appendix A Bill Thompson/USFWS American Black Duck The Proposed Assateague Wilderness: Building Blocks for the Wilderness Character Monitoring Report Appendix A May 2014 2012 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. National Park Service Taryn Sudol Wilderness Fellow [THE PROPOSED ASSATEAGUE ISLAND WILDERNESS] Building Blocks for the Wilderness Character Monitoring Report A-1 Chincoteague and Wallops Island National Wildlife Refuges CCP/EIS Appendix A May 2014 Executive Summary The Assateague barrier island off the Maryland and Virginia mainland is managed, in part, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR), the U.S. National Park Service as the Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS), and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as Assateague State Park. Federal and state protection of this island provides a wildlife sanctuary, especially for shorebirds and migratory birds, and recreational opportunities for a high number of visitors. In response to the Wilderness Act, 1964, the entire island was reviewed to see which areas still possessed primeval characteristics. As a result, the central 6,500 acres of Assateague Island was proposed as wilderness in 1974, but has yet to receive designation. Until such a Congressional decision is made, ASIS and CNWR manage the area to preserve its wilderness character. An evaluation of the current land status will set a 2012 baseline for wilderness character and support a plan for monitoring long-term trends. An interagency team, representing the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), developed a guide for wilderness character monitoring.
    [Show full text]
  • CHINCOTEAGUE a National Wildlife Refuge
    I— u LU CO Z O CHINCOTEAGUE a National Wildlife Refuge Number ONE Pish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. PRINCIPAL WATERFOWL REFUGES OF THE ATLANTIC FLYWAY LIBRARY, DEPT. OP THE INTERIOR UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, J. A. Krug, Secretary FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, Albert M. Day, Director «€- 3€- <&- CHINCOTEAGUE A NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE By Rachel L. Carson Illustrations by Shirley A. Briggs and Katherine L. Howe Conservation in Action NUMBER ONE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE • WASHINGTON : 1947 FOR SALE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, WASHINGTON 25, D. C. • PRICE 15 CENTS IF YOU TRAVEL MUCH in the wilder sections of our country, sooner or later you are likely to meet the sign of the flying goose—-the emblem of the National Wildlife Refuges. You may meet it by the side of a road crossing miles of flat prairie in the Middle West, or in the hot deserts of the Southwest. You may meet it by some mountain lake, or as you push your boat through the winding salty creeks of a coastal marsh. Wherever you meet this sign, respect it. It means that the land behind the sign has been dedicated by the Amer­ ican people to preserving, for themselves and their children, as much of our native wildlife as can be retained along with our modern civilization. Wild creatures, like men, must have a place to live. As civilization creates cities, builds highways, and drains marshes, it takes away, little by little, the land that is suitable for wildlife.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring-Summer-2013-B
    Riding for the Disabled Association NSW Spring/Summer 2013 Bits ‘n’ Pieces Spring/Summer 2013 From the editor… Once again another year has passed…. Looking back, I’m sure many events have been experienced by our Centres state - wide. As usual, our AGM and State Workshop was held, this year at State Office along with our photo competition and drawing competition. There are many very talented photographers and young artists out there and I, for one, look forward each year to see what the postman has delivered to Lucy in the office. Keep up the good work! RDA has been in the limelight with volunteers being recognised for the work they do at their Centres – congratulations!!! It’s keeping the RDA profile “out there” in the public domain. Centres have lost much loved equine partners – now safely with those who have gone before, in the big paddock in the sky, and to offset the losses, new ponies and horses have found good homes within the RDA caring environment. Last, but not least, thank you to all the contributors who take the time to put together articles for “Bits “n” Pieces” to share their Centre’s “goings on” with the rest of us! Best wishes to all RDA volunteers, members of the board, paid staff, supporters of RDA and horses. Have a Happy Christmas Season and a Happy and Safe New Year Lyn Lazarus 2 Bits ‘n’ Pieces Spring/Summer 2013 NEWS FROM THE CENTRES It’s hard to believe another busy RDA year is nearly over. During the last six months the weather hasn't always been kind to us with a few days missed due to rain or very wet grounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Assateague~~' Islan(R~::,~Cc
    Assateague~~' Islan(r~::,~cc THE WILD HORSES National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior "WHAT CAN YOU TELLME ABOUT THE HORSES?" This brochure is designed to answer the most commonly asked questions about Assateague's wild horses, which are more often called "ponies" by an adoring public! "ARE THEY TRULY WILD?" Since they take care of themselves in all seasons without help from people, the ponies are considered wild animals. The term "feral" is also applied to the ponies, meaning they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state. "THEN ARE THEY DANGEROUS?" Any wild animal can be dangerous and the ponies are no exception. They appear tame and gentle but may become aggressive very quickly. Each year several visitors are bitten or kicked by "tame" ponies. Feeding the ponies and any other wildlife is unhealthy for the animals, dangerous for the visitors and strictly prohibited. Some ponies become "beggars" with prolonged feeding and at least one each year is killed by a car while seeking a handout. Enjoy the ponies from a distance. PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY! DO NOT STOP SUDDENLY OR PARK ON ROAD SHOULDERS OR THE BIKE TRAIL! USE DESIGNATED PULLOFFS OR PARKING LOTS! "HOW MANY PONIES ARE THERE?" The ponies are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia end and one on the Maryland end of Assateague. The herds are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland state line and the population size of each herd is kept below 150 animals to lessen their impact on island ecology.
    [Show full text]